📰 NEWS

🏛️ PROPERTY TAX DEBATE

A proposal to eliminate Idaho property taxes is drawing debate after Republican lawmaker Scott Herndon said state revenue growth could replace more than $400 million now raised for public schools. Critics argue the plan lacks a realistic funding source and could put school budgets at risk.

🎆 FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS AND RESTRICTIONS

Jerome Freedom Fest has been rescheduled and will now take place Friday, July 3rd from 4 to 9 p.m. at ICCU and Veterans Memorial Parks in Jerome. The free community celebration features live entertainment, family fun, and wraps up with a fireworks show at Jerome High School at dusk to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday.

Lincoln County has banned fireworks in unincorporated areas this Fourth of July because of extreme wildfire danger. The ban does not apply within city limits.

🔥 FIRES AND WILDFIRE DANGER

An RV fire at Hagerman RV Village yesterday destroyed a fifth-wheel trailer, killed a family cat, and left the owner with nothing. Firefighters also prevented the flames from spreading to nearby RVs.

Crews are battling a 100-acre wildfire near Tupper Grade in Gooding County. No injuries or evacuations have been reported, but drivers should avoid the area.

The Gooding Transfer Station has reopened after last week’s wildfire. Southern Idaho Solid Waste says expect heavier-than-normal traffic as operations return to normal.

Firefighters responded to an apartment fire on 2nd Avenue East in Twin Falls yesterday evening. A kitchen fire displaced one resident, but the blaze was contained to a single apartment, and no injuries were reported.

🚨 CRASHES AND EMERGENCIES

A 19-year-old Rupert man was flown to a local hospital after a concrete truck rolled yesterday morning near Wendell. Idaho State Police say he swerved to avoid slowing traffic, causing the truck to leave the road and overturn. The intersection was closed for about three hours.

A truck collided with a freight train in Twin Falls yesterday afternoon. The truck driver suffered minor injuries, and traffic was delayed while emergency crews cleared the scene.

Twelve-year-old Everett Newby of Boise has died after being submerged at Trinity Hot Springs near Featherville. The cause of death remains under investigation.

AAA reminds drivers: never leave children or pets in a hot car. Even for a minute, temperatures can turn deadly. If you see a child or pet left inside, call 911 immediately.

🚧 ROAD WORK

Road work continues in Rupert. City officials say closures are in place through Thursday for a water line replacement project. Drivers are urged to use caution near the canal crossing between Eighth and K Streets, allow extra travel time, and watch for crews and posted detour signs.

⚖️ COURTS

The man charged in the 2021 kidnapping and killing of 5-year-old Michael “Monkey” Vaughan has asked a judge to dismiss the case. Stacey Wondra claims prosecutors lack enough evidence. His next court appearance is July 14.

💼 ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

Idaho has been named a Silver Shovel Award winner for the third time in five years. Area Development magazine recognized the state for attracting major investments, including Micron Technology’s $35 billion expansion and Tractor Supply’s $225 million project in Nampa.

🏆 SPORTS

⚾ BASEBALL

The Burley Green Sox are one of southern Idaho’s hottest baseball teams, riding a nine-game winning streak and sitting at 14-and-4 in American Legion play. After helping Burley High post its best season in more than 20 years, seniors like Jake Redder, Ike Redder, Jackson Funk, and Mack Haynes are leading another championship push. The Green Sox head to Utah this weekend for the Western Invitational as they continue their run toward another Legion A state and regional title.

🏈 BOISE STATE

Boise State’s famous Blue Turf is getting a fresh new look this summer. Crews will begin replacing the playing surface on June 29, with the project expected to wrap up by July 17. It marks the sixth replacement of the iconic field since it first turned blue in 1986.

⚽ YOUTH SOCCER

History is on the line for the Boise Timbers. The club’s Under-15 and Under-16 boys’ teams are headed to San Diego for the Elite Clubs National League Nationals, becoming the first Idaho boys’ teams to qualify. Coaches say years of hard work and team chemistry have led to this moment, as the Timbers look to surprise some of the nation’s top youth soccer programs.

🥎 SOFTBALL

Boise State softball has added two familiar faces to its coaching staff. Former Broncos Kelsey Broadus and Karlee Johnson are returning after helping Idaho State reach its first NCAA Tournament. The Broncos officially join the Pac-12 on July 1.

🛟 BOISE RIVER

Boise River flows are dropping again this week, making for a slower float. Officials say the trip from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park could take up to three hours, and they’re reminding everyone to wear life jackets and stay hydrated.

🌤️ WEATHER

Today will start with some clouds before turning mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 90. Tonight stays mostly cloudy with a low around 61. Tomorrow brings a big change, with cooler temperatures around 75, gusty winds, and a slight chance of showers in the afternoon. A much wetter, cooler weekend is on the way, with widespread rain expected Saturday.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny and hot, with a high near 90. West southwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming light and variable.

Thursday Night

Increasing clouds, with a low around 61. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light and variable. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Friday

A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 75. West southwest wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Friday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Southwest wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 65. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.